If you’re seeking a straightforward yet flavorful dish, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli might just be the recipe for you.
This delightful stir-fry balances tender chicken with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce featuring soy and oyster sauce.
You’ll appreciate the simplicity of ingredients and the quick cooking process.
Pair it with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Curious about the detailed steps and tips for perfection?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet or wok
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish, you can follow this timeline:
Prep Work (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 5:00: Gather and measure all ingredients. This includes slicing the chicken breast, mincing the garlic and ginger, and preparing the broccoli florets.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Prepare the sauce by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- 10:00 – 15:00: If you choose to marinate the chicken, do so now with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch.
Cooking (15 minutes):
- 0:00 – 5:00: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and stir-fry until cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- 5:00 – 8:00: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the broccoli florets.
- 8:00 – 9:00: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry with the broccoli.
- 9:00 – 12:00: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and pour the sauce mixture over, stirring to coat evenly.
- 12:00 – 15:00: Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
Resting (5 minutes):
– Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a popular dish that combines tender slices of chicken with vibrant, crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
It’s a quick and delicious meal that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of protein and vegetables with a flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sesame oil gives the dish its signature taste, while garlic and ginger add depth and aroma.
Preparing Chinese Chicken and Broccoli at home is simple and requires only a few steps.
Start by slicing the chicken breast and preparing your broccoli florets.
The cooking process involves stir-frying the chicken until it’s fully cooked, followed by stir-frying the broccoli to retain its bright color and crisp texture.
A quick sauce made from pantry staples like soy sauce and chicken broth is then added to bring everything together.
With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you can enjoy this classic dish in no time.
To cook Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, begin by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until cooked through.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the broccoli for 3 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute.
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil in a bowl.
Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli, pour the sauce over, and stir to coat.
Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper, then let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For the best results, make sure the broccoli remains bright green and slightly crisp by not overcooking it.
If the broccoli starts to stick, add a splash of water while stir-frying.
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
This not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it even more delicious.
Cooking Steps
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast and cook it for five minutes, ensuring it’s thoroughly done.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, then use the remaining hot oil to sauté the broccoli, followed by adding minced garlic and ginger to amplify the flavor.
Step 1. Warm Oil in Skillet
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
As the oil warms, make sure it’s evenly distributed across the cooking surface.
This step is essential for preventing sticking and achieving a uniform cook on the chicken.
- Use a high smoke point oil: Vegetable oil is ideal for stir-frying, handling the heat without burning.
- Monitor the oil’s shimmer: This visual cue indicates the oil is hot enough for cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding: Allow space for even heat distribution, preventing steaming instead of browning.
- Check the skillet’s heat: A drop of water should sizzle upon contact.
- Prepare ingredients beforehand: Have them ready to add as soon as the oil reaches the right temperature.
Step 2. Cook Chicken for Five Minutes
Sizzle the sliced chicken breast in the heated skillet, guaranteeing each piece is in contact with the hot surface for even cooking.
Use 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to facilitate browning and prevent sticking.
Stir the chicken occasionally with a spatula, allowing it to cook through evenly.
Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a golden exterior, which seals in moisture, resulting in tender pieces.
The chicken should show no pinkness in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) within five minutes.
Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
This precise timing is vital to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.
Focus on uniform slices to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the process.
Step 3. Transfer Chicken to a Plate
Once the chicken is cooked through and exhibits a golden exterior, promptly remove it from the skillet.
This step guarantees the chicken maintains its moisture and avoids overcooking.
Use a spatula to transfer the chicken pieces to a plate, separating them from the residual oil and juices to prevent fogginess.
Reserving the skillet for the next step is vital, as the flavors from the chicken will enhance the subsequent ingredients.
- Efficiency: Quickly remove chicken to prevent overcooking.
- Separation: Ensure no residual oil follows the chicken.
- Transition: Keep the skillet ready for the next ingredient.
- Flavor retention: The skillet holds flavors for broccoli.
- Ingredient focus: Maintain chicken’s texture and taste.
After transferring, proceed with the next steps for a seamless cooking process.
Step 4. Sauté Broccoli in Hot Oil
Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the reserved skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil shimmers, add the broccoli florets. Stir them consistently to guarantee even cooking.
You want to achieve a vibrant green color and a slight crispness.
As you sauté, maintain a steady heat to avoid overcooking.
The broccoli should be cooked for about 3 minutes, allowing it to soak up the oil’s flavor without becoming too soft.
If the broccoli starts to stick, add a splash of water to the skillet. This will create steam, helping the broccoli to cook evenly.
Keep the florets moving in the pan, using your spatula to toss them, ensuring they don’t burn.
Step 5. Add Aromatics to Skillet
After the broccoli achieves a vibrant green hue, promptly add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.
Stir them swiftly to prevent any burning and guarantee they release their full aroma and flavor.
These aromatics should cook for just a minute, allowing their fragrances to infuse the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
Be vigilant as you’re adding these elements to not overcook; their potency lies in their freshness.
- Timing is essential: Only a minute is needed.
- Even distribution: Stir continuously to coat the broccoli with flavors.
- Avoid burning: Keep heat at medium-high.
- Optimal aroma: Garlic and ginger should be fragrant, not browned.
- Flavor layering: Enhances the overall taste profile of your dish.
This step sets the stage for a harmonious blend.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Fried Rice: Adds a bit of texture and variety, making the meal more filling.
- Quinoa: A healthy alternative that adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.
- Rice Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a different texture to the dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A great way to include more veggies, adding color and nutrition to your meal.
Storage/Freezing/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume within 3-4 days for peak freshness and flavor.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, making sure the lid is tightly sealed.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to guarantee even heating without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
When making Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, it’s important to focus on the balance of flavors and textures.
Achieving the right harmony between the tender chicken and the crisp broccoli is essential.
The sauces—soy and oyster—should enhance, not overpower, the natural flavors of your ingredients.
You’ve got to guarantee the garlic and ginger are evenly distributed for that aromatic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Tofu for Chicken in This Recipe?
You can substitute tofu for chicken by using firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes. Stir-fry until golden, following the same steps, and adjust salt to enhance flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce. Adjust quantities to taste, ensuring flavor balance. Mix with a bit of sugar or fish sauce for added depth, if desired.
How Do I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Swap soy and oyster sauces for gluten-free versions. Confirm cornstarch is gluten-free certified. Follow the original steps, maintaining ingredient focus and procedural clarity. This guarantees the dish remains flavorful while accommodating a gluten-free diet.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, sliced. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and guarantee oyster sauce is vegetarian. Follow the same cooking steps, confirming tofu or tempeh is browned before combining with broccoli and sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
You can certainly add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking. Adjust the stir-fry time based on their texture to guarantee everything cooks perfectly without overcooking the broccoli.
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or wok
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the broccoli florets for 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
